Paula Deen Criticized for Posting Photo of Son in "Brownface"

Deen ignites conversation about racism yet again.

Paula Deen is garnering criticism after she posted a photograph of herself and her son Bobby dressed up like I Love Lucy's Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. Deen's son's face is painted brown, presumably in order to look like he is of Latino descent.

The caption accompanying the photo reads, "Lucyyyyyyy! You got a lot of esplainin’ to do!" with the hashtag "#TransformationTuesday." People on Twitter were quick to respond with their complaints. "Oh god you did not," said one Twitter user. "Paula, *you* have a lot of esplainin' to do," said another.

"Holy shit is that brownface," said a Twitter user who prompted a conversation about the "brownface" term.

This is not the first time Deen has been a part of a racism controversy. Her longtime cook brought allegations of racial discrimination against Deen, claiming the chef asked black employees to ring dinner bells and dress up like Aunt Jemima. Deen has admitted to using the N-word in the past, and famously gave an on-air tearful apology about it once she was dropped from Food Network in the fallout.

After receiving backlash for the photograph of her son, which was posted on both Facebook and Twitter, Deen removed the picture from the social media outlets. The Lucy costume pictures were apparently taken back in 2011, according to Eater.